Moss Recipes - How to grow moss

- by Debra Anchors

What is moss?  Moss is big business.  Gardeners who want to add moss to their landscapes can purchase products like a moss kit in a carton or even order moss online; but why?   You can easily make your own moss given a "starter" of some native moss, the right conditions and some patience.

The best time to plant a moss garden is when evaporation is low; usually in the spring or fall (in seasonal areas). Mosses can withstand drought better than grass; moss suspends its growth while waiting for water. A shady area in your garden, where flowers and shrubs have difficulty growing, is a perfect spot for a moss garden. Moss does require some light for growth.  Mosses cannot grow in full sunlight nor can they grow in deep shade.

A moss carpet is delightfully soft to walk on. Take note, however, “Only farmers and summer guests walk on moss!” -Tove Jansson.

Moss doesn't stand up well to foot traffic. When you walk on a moss once, it will recover the next time it rains. But, if walked on a second and third time before a rainfall, moss may not recover, but die and need to be replaced. If you walk around on moss, you'll kill it faster than you will a lawn.

How to grow moss

Begin by obtaining some moss native to your area. Ask your friends. One of them probably has moss in their landscape, but fights against it instead of allowing it to thrive. Moss can be found in woodland areas, too, but be sure to get permission before digging.

You can “paint” directly onto the area where you want the moss to grow, but be aware that you may breed a crop of weeds in addition to moss, since you can’t control the environment. Instead, sow the moss in tubs and “tent” with a wet towel. Then transplant the moss into your desired area when mature enough.

Moss Recipes to Try

I was given two very different recipes for growing moss. Every gardener has his or her own “tried-and-true” method of propagating moss – who am I to judge which is best? Perhaps you use your own recipe to create  moss too. If you possess a moss recipe you have used and love, would you please share it?

Note: use an old blender and mix the concoction outdoors due to the aroma of the finished product.

Grow your own moss recipe 1:

• Several handfuls of native moss (separated as much as possible from the soil) 
• 1 large container of plain yogurt
• Buttermilk

Mix the moss and yogurt in a blender, slowly add buttermilk until the mixture becomes a runny paste. Use a brush to paint the mixture onto the desired surface. Spray your new moss garden daily with water as it grows - moss thrives when moist.

Grow your own moss recipe 2:

• Several handfuls of native moss (separated as much as possible from the soil) 
• 12 oz. can of beer 
• 1 teaspoon granulated sugar

Combine all of the ingredients in a blender until the mixture liquefies. Use a brush to paint the mixture onto the desired surface. Spray your new moss garden daily with water as it grows - moss thrives when moist.

Video: Saiho-ji Zen Garden (Moss Temple) Kyoto Japan

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Leave a legacy, but garden like you’ll live forever!
-Debra

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